Life Jackets & PFDs

Life jackets, formally known as personal floatation devices (PFDs), were historically organized into five performance types. However, in 2014, the U.S. Coast Guard did away with these “Type” codes. Modern life jackets are now classified either as throwable or wearable, and then given a buoyancy performance level (see “What are the levels of life jackets?” below).

Still, it’s good to understand the five types of PFDs, because some brands and outfitters have yet to convert to the new U.S. Coast Guard system. Many legacy life jackets still have a “Type” rating. The five types of life jackets were:

Type I: Offshore Life Jackets
Extremely buoyant (and bulky), these are the highest performing PFDs, designed for use in rough or isolated open ocean, where rescue may take hours. Type I PFDs will turn unconscious wearers to float in a near-vertical, face-up position, keeping their airway above water.

Type II: Near-Shore Vests
Type II PFDs are still highly buoyant and suitable for rough waters, but are a step below a Type I jacket, and designed for near-shore use instead of open ocean. Some Type II vests will turn the wearer to float in a face-up position, but this is not “guaranteed” across the type, as it is in Type I. Neither Type II or Type I PFDs are particularly comfortable to wear for extended periods of time out of the water, and usually not worn as a “preventative” during high-output activities.

Type III: Flotation Aids / Inshore Vests
The most common type of PFD. Type III PFDs keep a conscious person upright and buoyant. These are the PFD of choice for lakes, rivers, bays, or coastline. Lightweight and streamlined, these are worn as a preventative and are the most popular jackets for wakeboarding, waterskiing, paddle boarding, tubing, kayaking, and any other “active” use.

Type IV: Throwable Devices
Type IV PFDs are designed to be thrown to a conscious person in the water, giving them something to grab to stay afloat. A common example of a Type IV PFD is a life preserver ring.

Type V: Special-Use Devices
Type V personal floatation devices are purpose-built for specific activities, such as whitewater rafting or windsurfing. In addition to being Type V, these PFDs will usually also list their performance as Type I, II, or III.

Modern U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets/personal flotation devices (PFDs) are no longer characterized by type, but first by a classification of throwable or wearable, and then by performance level. Performance levels are easier to understand than types, because as the number goes up, the buoyancy increases! It’s that simple.

The five main performance levels are: 50, 70, 100, 150, and 275. A lower number means the PFD is intended for near-shore activities in calmer waters, offering greater mobility and comfort. A higher number means the PFD is intended for offshore activities and emergency use.

The modern version of a Type III jacket is essentially a Level 70. These jackets are highly mobile, comfortable, and will keep a conscious person afloat in relatively calm waters. For most watersports activities, a Level 70 jacket will keep you safe without excessive bulk and discomfort.

The terms life jacket and PFD are often used interchangeably, but there is a technical difference. All life jackets are PFDs (personal flotation devices), but not all PFDs are life jackets. Life jackets are vests, designed to be worn to keep a person upright and afloat in the water. (Some life jackets will keep an unconscious person face-up, while others are only rated to provide support for conscious individuals.)

The greater umbrella of PFDs, however, includes other floatation devices beyond wearables, such as life rings, buoys, and other throwable buoyancy aids. Instead of being worn, these are thrown to a conscious person in the water, giving them something buoyant to grab onto.

No, there is no practical difference between the terms “life jacket” and “life vest.” These are informal terms used to refer to classes of personal floatation devices (PFDs), and usually used interchangeably. Whether you call it a life jacket, a life vest, or a doo-diddy, the important thing is to choose one that is U.S. Coast Guard-approved and understand the device’s rated performance level.

A case could be made that the most buoyant PFDs (Level 275/Type I) are safest, but these jackets come with downsides, because they’re bulky and uncomfortable, restricting mobility. In reality, the safest type of life jacket is one that matches your planned activity. (For most in or near-shore watersports, this is a Level 70 wearable).

A safe life jacket should also fit properly—snugly while allowing comfortable movement—and be in good condition. Finally, remember a life jacket isn’t any use unless it’s being worn! The safest life jacket in the world isn’t actually “safe” if you leave it at home.

Life jackets don't have a set expiration date like food or medicine. However, their effectiveness can degrade over time due to wear and tear, UV exposure, and the breakdown of materials. Some manufacturers may recommend a lifespan for their specific models, often around five to 10 years. Per the U.S. Coast Guard, “foam filled lifejackets should be tested for wear and buoyancy at least once a year. Waterlogged, faded, or otherwise damaged lifejackets should be discarded.”

Yes, you can wash a life jacket, but it's important to do it correctly to avoid damaging it. Hand wash it gently with mild soap and water, avoiding detergents, bleach, or any harsh chemicals. Rinse thoroughly and let the jacket air dry completely, away from direct sunlight, for up to 72 hours. Never put a life jacket in a washing machine or dryer.

You should discard a life jacket if it shows signs of deterioration, such as torn fabric or straps, broken buckles, punctures, discolored or weakened material, and insecure zippers. Per the U.S. Coast Guard, “waterlogged, faded, or otherwise damaged lifejackets should be discarded.” Most life jackets have a lifespan of around five to 10 years.

Life jackets are sized by weight and—for adults—chest size. Our life jackets come in five sizes. Click the links below to be taken to a product page with a properly sized life jacket.

Kids < 30 lbs

Kids 30-50 lbs

Kids 50-90 lbs

Adults > 90 lbs (Chest Size 30-52”)

Adults > 90 lbs (Chest Size 40-60”)

To fit a life jacket correctly, first choose the correct size life jacket based on weight and chest size (see above). Then put it on and fasten all the straps. It should fit snugly without restricting movement. Two fingers should fit between the life jacket and shoulder. Have someone pull up on the shoulders (adults) or lift the child (children) to ensure the jacket doesn't ride up. Adjust straps if needed.

There are several different levels of life jackets, and the more buoyant models are generally more expensive. For most flatwater, a Level 70 wearable personal flotation device is ideal. For life jackets like these, expect to spend $25 to $50 on a high-quality, U.S. Coast Guard-approved model.

Yes, a life jacket should fit snug without being uncomfortable or restricting movement. Two fingers should easily fit between the life jacket and the wearer’s shoulder.

If a life jacket is too big, it can ride up over the wearer's face when they're in the water, obstructing their vision and airway, preventing them from staying afloat. It can also make it difficult to move arms and legs, hindering the wearer’s ability to swim or signal for help. If a life jacket is extremely big, the wearer may even slip out of it. That’s why it’s important to choose a properly-sized life jacket, based on the wearer’s weight and (for adults) chest size.

Of course! Life jackets are designed for swimming. However, extremely buoyant personal flotation devices, like Level 100+ models (Type I and II), can actually be too buoyant to swim in. These devices are designed to keep you afloat in the water even if you’re unconscious, so they’re quite bulky and cumbersome. For active use, choose a Level 70 (Type III) personal flotation device, which is lightweight and streamlined enough to be worn during physical activity.

Store a life jacket in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme heat. Many boats have dedicated compartments for life jackets. If you’re keeping your life jackets at home, you may want to consider mesh bags to keep them organized and dry. Hanging life jackets up will also help air them out and prevent mildew. If possible, let your life jacket dry completely before storage.

It’s not a bad idea to keep a life jacket in your car if you frequently travel near bodies of water during warmer months. Think about it like this; if you carry your inflatable paddle board, river tube, or kayak in your car, then you should carry a life jacket as well.

If you live in an extremely hot or sunny region, however, you may want to reconsider leaving your life jacket in your car. If you do, at least place it underneath a seat or away from direct sunlight. Temperatures inside cars can reach triple digits extremely quickly during sunny summer days, and direct sunlight and high heat will degrade your life jacket.

No, it’s not safe to buy used life jackets. Unknown history, wear and tear, expired components, and outdated standards all pose risks. Even if a life jacket appears to be “almost new” or in decent condition, it may not be. Internet forums are awash with horror stories of people purchasing used life jackets that look to be in good condition, but fail upon use. Buying a new life jacket is the only way to guarantee safety and compliance with current standards.

Most life jackets will last five to 10 years with proper care and storage. Ultimately this depends on the quality and performance level of the life jacket, and the conditions you use it in. Leaving your life jacket out in direct sunlight, storing it in an extremely hot environment, or failing to let it fully dry after use can all decrease the life expectancy of a life jacket.

In the United States, the Coast Guard requires one life jacket per person on board all watercraft. Beneath a certain age children are legally “required” to wear this jacket, but this age varies state-to-state. Still, if you’re required to bring a life jacket anyway, why not put it on? A life jacket only works if you’re wearing it!

There is no federal law in the United States mandating that everyone wear a life jacket at all times while on a watercraft. In 1852, however, the U.S. Congress passed a law requiring all American watercraft to at least carry life preservers for every passenger. This legislation has undergone changes over the years, but it remains in essence the same today. Additional laws requiring children under certain ages to wear life jackets while on the water have also come into existence, on a state-by-state basis.